**Chapter 1: Echoes in the Dark**

The dim fluorescent lights of the university's art and design building flickered overhead, casting an eerie glow on Faye Dabin's pale skin as she hunched over her sketchbook. Her long, black waved hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, framing her heart-shaped face. Her black monolid cat eyes, red-rimmed from lack of sleep, scanned the charcoal lines on the paper, critiquing every detail. Her slender fingers moved deftly, shading and sketching with a precision that belied her 20 years. As an INTJ/INFJ, Faye had always been a bit of a loner, preferring to observe and listen rather than engage in small talk. Her professors praised her work, often remarking on her innate talent and attention to detail. But Faye didn't dwell on her strengths; instead, she focused on perfecting her craft, driven by a quiet determination. Faye's thoughts drifted to her parents, whose messy divorce had left her and her brother, Fei Mo Guan, with a complicated family history. Her parents had been artists, too – her mother a painter, her father a musician. Their relationship had been tumultuous, with screaming matches and slammed doors a regular occurrence. Faye remembered the night her mother had left, the sound of shattering glass and her father's anguished cries still echoing in her mind. Her parents' breakup had left a gaping hole in their lives, and Faye's brother was the only constant she could rely on. Fei Mo Guan, 17 and in his 10th year at school, was Faye's rock. He looked up to her, and she did her best to be a good role model. Despite their parents' absence, Fei was a cheerful, laid-back kid, always ready with a smile and a joke. Faye loved him fiercely, feeling a deep sense of responsibility for his well-being. As she worked on her design project, Faye's mind wandered to her own life. She lived with Fei in a modest apartment, just a short walk from campus. Their social status was slightly below average, but they managed. Faye's math skills, honed through additional electives in higher mathematics and philosophy, helped her make ends meet by taking on freelance design work. Her artistic talents had also earned her a few scholarships, which helped supplement their income. The sound of music drifted through Faye's headphones, a melancholy melody that matched her mood. She often walked with her headphones on, lost in the world of sound and image. Her eyes, though tired, sparkled with a quiet intensity as she worked. The classroom door creaked open, and her professor, Madam Li, entered with a warm smile. "Faye, your project is looking great. I think you'll do just fine for the exhibition." Faye nodded, a hint of a smile on her lips, as she gathered her things and packed up her sketchbook. As she exited the classroom, Faye collided with a tall, dark-haired boy, his bright blue eyes sparkling with a friendly apology. "Sorry about that! I'm Li Jian, first year tech student." Faye's cheeks flushed, and she smiled, feeling a slight jolt of surprise. No one had really talked to her like that in a while. Li Jian, it turned out, was a computer science major with a passion for coding and an interest in artificial intelligence. His easygoing nature put Faye at ease, and they exchanged a few pleasantries before parting ways. The university's corridors seemed to stretch on forever, but Faye knew every nook and cranny. As she walked, she thought about Fei, who was probably at home, listening to music and doing his homework. She made a mental note to pick up some groceries on her way back, so they could have a decent dinner. The autumn sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the campus. Faye shivered, feeling a chill run down her spine. She quickened her pace, her eyes scanning the crowds, her thoughts drifting back to her parents and the past. For a moment, the darkness seemed to closing in around her. She shook her head, pushing the thoughts away, and continued on her way, lost in the rhythm of her music and the beat of her heart.